Around Baseball

[Dalyn]

Martin Prado is exactly the type of hitter this team needs. Who knew that Chipper Jones words would have been prophetic.


Hardly.

[bravesnumberone]

No thanks on Samardzija. I think he'll improve his mentality over time, but not what we need right now.

[Heyward]

Martin Prado is exactly the type of hitter this team needs. Who knew that Chipper Jones words would have been prophetic.

Chris Johnson > Prado

[Bdawg2309]

http://i.imgur.com/d3Tgi1U.jpg

how do the rays do it??

[bravesnumberone]

I wouldn't want any part of the Rays in the postseason.

[Heyward]

http://i.imgur.com/d3Tgi1U.jpg

how do the rays do it??

Imagine what type of haul they'll get for for Price this winter?

[yeezus]

Imagine what type of haul they'll get for for Price this winter?

I've loved Price like everyone since he was drafted, and I'll take him against anyone in the league.

[thethe]

Wish Tampa could keep Price.

[Heyward]

Wish Tampa could keep Price.

I do too but he will probably cost 200+ million to retain.

[weso1]

I wouldn't want any part of the Rays in the postseason.

I would... It means we'd be in the WS.

[JCarbo76]

Martin Prado is exactly the type of hitter this team needs. Who knew that Chipper Jones words would have been prophetic.

We have one already. His name is Andrelton Simmons.

The wisdom of this trade is not even remotely debatable.

[bravesnumberone]

I would... It means we'd be in the WS.

I more or less meant any team.

[thethe]

We have one already. His name is Andrelton Simmons.

The wisdom of this trade is not even remotely debatable.

The trade made sense and I still would have made it but Justin has been awful and its frustrating as hell.

[bravesnumberone]

Phillies trailing Detroit 8-0 in the third. Am I the only one who thinks Cliff Lee will be a Cardinal very soon?

[CrimsonCowboy]

The Rays could very well be the best team in MLB right now. I don't there is a better manager in the game than Joe Maddon

[Heyward]

Phillies trailing Detroit 8-0 in the third. Am I the only one who thinks Cliff Lee will be a Cardinal very soon?

They are one of the few teams who have the prospects to get him.

It's said they wanna build their rotation next year around Lee and Hamels.

Guys like Ruiz, Utley, Young are more likely to get dealt if they sell.

[57Brave]

cant think of a single player allowed to walk or traded from the Rays that played as well with their new team as did with Rays.
Amazing!

Their player evaluation is ... (fill in the blank)

[skidlee]

They are one of the few teams who have the prospects to get him.

It's said they wanna build their rotation next year around Lee and Hamels.

Guys like Ruiz, Utley, Young are more likely to get dealt if they sell.


They should but I doubt they trade them off.

[yeezus]

They are one of the few teams who have the prospects to get him.

It's said they wanna build their rotation next year around Lee and Hamels.

Guys like Ruiz, Utley, Young are more likely to get dealt if they sell.

I believe they think they can and will try and compete next year.
Not sure why they think that.

[yeezus]

Anyone see David Ortiz tonight? That was crazy bad.

[Heyward]

I believe they think they can and will try and compete next year.
Not sure why they think that.

They have the pitching to compete.

It's the offense that needs upgrading.

[zitothebrave]

They should deal Utley even if he leaves they can always re-sign him for next year.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Um, David Ortiz was just a bit ticked off tonight

http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=29202003

[yeezus]

They have the pitching to compete.

It's the offense that needs upgrading.

I don't really agree. Lee and Hamels are very good. Lee is 34? They both need to stay 100% healthy to have a slight chance. There's no one in the back end of that rotation. Kendrick is ok, a decent number 3 but not much else. Pettibone? Cloyd? There's not much hope in the minors. They haven't developed players well at all. I don't see them truly competing any time soon, especially since we and Washington are both young. They're much older.

[Heyward]

I don't really agree. Lee and Hamels are very good. Lee is 34? They both need to stay 100% healthy to have a slight chance. There's no one in the back end of that rotation. Kendrick is ok, a decent number 3 but not much else. Pettibone? Cloyd? There's not much hope in the minors. They haven't developed players well at all. I don't see them truly competing any time soon, especially since we and Washington are both young. They're much older.

Gonzalez the guy they signed will probably be in their rotation next year.

Lee
Hamels
Gonzalez
Kendrick
Pettibone

Is pretty solid.

[weso1]

Um, David Ortiz was just a bit ticked off tonight

http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=29202003

Roid rage. He was linked to it at one point.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Chect out who Ken Rosenthal thinks the Rangers could trade

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/texas-rangers-might-trade-joe-nathan-internal-discussions-072713

[Bj1133]

Chect out who Ken Rosenthal thinks the Rangers could trade

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/texas-rangers-might-trade-joe-nathan-internal-discussions-072713

Would seem really odd for them to deal Nathan to another AL contender

[sentenza]

Man, the Phillies are horrible to watch!
This team has nothing now!
Yesterdays game was a joke! But this inning (6th) is comedy pure!


Walk, Error, single (Bases loaded), then
Out, Error, Walk, Error, Walk, Grand Slam! (8 runs in), still only one out!

[yeezus]

Gonzalez the guy they signed will probably be in their rotation next year.

Lee
Hamels
Gonzalez
Kendrick
Pettibone

Is pretty solid.

Eh scouts I trust say he's a back-end at best, possible reliever. Big question mark. And as their #3? Eek. Pettibone is terrible, he will be around a 5 ERA consistently.

[yeezus]

Gonzalez the guy they signed will probably be in their rotation next year.

Lee
Hamels
Gonzalez
Kendrick
Pettibone

Is pretty solid.

And that's also provided Lee and Hamels both make like 34 starts, which will become increasingly unlikely as time goes by.

[Dalyn]

Lee is the epitome of reliability.

[yeezus]

Lee is the epitome of reliability.

So far. But he's 34, 35 in a month. His mechanics are great, but it's still very possible he gets hurt or looses it a bit soon. Even if he's great, every other pitcher has to surpass expectations for them to compete, IMO.

[yeezus]

Ortiz will get suspended, right?

[bravesnumberone]

MLB Network wants the Nats to be in contention so badly. They win three games against the Mets, and now they're "back in this thing."

[jpx7]

MLB Network wants the Zombie Expos to be in contention so badly. They win three games against the Mets, and now they're "back in this thing."

It's pretty damn annoying.

[CyYoung31]

MLB Network wants the Nats to be in contention so badly. They win three games against the Mets, and now they're "back in this thing."

I'd love to hear their definition of "back in this thing."

[jpx7]

I'd love to hear their definition of "back in this thing."

Maybe he misheard and they said, "backing into this thing."

[CrimsonCowboy]

Saw earlier where the White Sox were discussing sending Crain to the Rays. Can't wait to see how Tampa Bay wins this trade

[CrimsonCowboy]

Rays have now acquired Jesse Crain from the White Sox. Waiting for the details

[CrimsonCowboy]

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 1m
The White Sox are telling other teams they're going to keep Peavy and build around him.

[yeezus]

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 1m
The White Sox are telling other teams they're going to keep Peavy and build around him.

I don't buy that, they know he's not good enough to build around and has more value to other teams than to them.

[CrimsonCowboy]

According to Rosenthal, the A's (considered the favorite to land Peavy) are now off of him and moving on to other options

[The Chosen One]

According to Rosenthal, the A's (considered the favorite to land Peavy) are now off of him and moving on to other options

Probably exactly what Frank Wren wants. He can come in with a lowball offer and they might jump.

[CrimsonCowboy]

According to Peter Gammons, Arizona is shopping Ian Kennedy and Jason Kubel

[Bj1133]

According to Peter Gammons, Arizona is shopping Ian Kennedy and Jason Kubel

For what exactly? They've both been pretty terrible this year

[CrimsonCowboy]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 1m
#chisox told teams they "aren't afraid to keep peavy.'' that's not the same as they are keeping him.

[skidlee]

Thought I would share this for the Juan lovers

Jesse Rogers ‏@ESPNChiCubs 1m

Juan Francisco is worse at first than little leaguers playing there...cant catch a ball...twice..


Tom ‏@Haudricourt 44m

If Juan Francisco is the future for #Brewers at 1B it's difficult to like their future there.

[Bdawg2309]

yankees-dodgers series starts tomorrow.. i'm shocked that ESPN didn't get that game. that'd be their ideal fap fest. puig, jeter, rivera all in one game... throw in some a-rod talk. jizz everywhere

[Bj1133]

yankees-dodgers series starts tomorrow.. i'm shocked that ESPN didn't get that game. that'd be their ideal fap fest. puig, jeter, rivera all in one game... throw in some a-rod talk. jizz everywhere

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view7/3637545/aziz-ansari-jizz-everywhere-o.gif

[Dunit24]

It's pretty damn annoying.

Yeah it is. A lot of so called experts picked them to run away with this division. I dont want to say im sick of hearing about Harper, Strasburg, and the Nats, but we have been in first place all year long and you never hear anything about it. You just hear about the Phillies and Nats struggles.

[GovClintonTyree]

Yeah it is. A lot of so called experts picked them to run away with this division. I dont want to say im sick of hearing about Harper, Strasburg, and the Nats, but we have been in first place all year long and you never hear anything about it. You just hear about the Phillies and Nats struggles.

Well, from MLB's standpoint, there's nothing to sell with a 9 game lead. They wish they had a pennant race and they don't.

ESPN I quit watching several years ago. That's a local sports channel. Maybe the Fox offering will be better. They could make a fortune by covering everybody but NY and Boston.

[Heyward]

Speaking of the Nats, looks like they are lining up their top 3 vs us next week in DC.

Just gotta find a way to steal one, anything more is gravy.

[GovClintonTyree]

Speaking of the Nats, looks like they are lining up their top 3 vs us next week in DC.

Just gotta find a way to steal one, anything more is gravy.

P'shaw. We're gonna sweep their ass.

[gilesfan]

Speaking of the Nats, looks like they are lining up their top 3 vs us next week in DC.

Just gotta find a way to steal one, anything more is gravy.

Maybe I'm confused by your wording, but they are simply keeping the rotation in tact, not altering it to have those 3 face the Braves.

[JCarbo76]

Speaking of the Nats, looks like they are lining up their top 3 vs us next week in DC.

Just gotta find a way to steal one, anything more is gravy.

Of course we are 5-2 vs. them in games started by those three this season.

[BRule]

Pirates close to getting Alex Rios

[AerchAngel]

Of course we are 5-2 vs. them in games started by those three this season.

I remember the last series those announcers said they weren't worried and will catch us because they injured. We had a big discussion about it, but if you bring up EOF or Venters or our hitters batting in the .150's, they didn't want to hear it.

[tululush]

Of course not. It's all selective to them.


I remember the last series those announcers said they weren't worried and will catch us because they injured. We had a big discussion about it, but if you bring up EOF or Venters or our hitters batting in the .150's, they didn't want to hear it.

[Dalyn]

Pirates close to getting Alex Rios

Good move for them.

[Heyward]

Dodgers favorites for Brian Wilson.

Lame.

[Heyward]

Rosenthal just said Texas may consider moving Andrus....

[Dalyn]

Rosenthal just said Texas may consider moving Andrus....

No thanks. His biggest offensive strength is negated by the Braves (they turn great baserunners into average ones).

[Krovahn]

Dodgers favorites for Brian Wilson.

Lame.

Damn, not cool. I really wanted the Braves to pick him up. If he is healthy he would be an awesome pick-up; a good pitcher, a veteran and has postseason experience.

[Heyward]

Dodgers sign Wilson, of course.

[Heyward]

No thanks. His biggest offensive strength is negated by the Braves (they turn great baserunners into average ones).

Never said the Braves should trade for him.

Just interesting they would consider it after signing him to a huge extension.

[Heyward]

Wow Angels may consider trading Aybar and Kendrick for Peavy......

Awful move if that happens.

[tululush]

Seriously? Lol. Wow. Sure, let's go ahead and trade our short stop and 2nd baseman for a sp. Good plan. Gut the middle of the field. Might as well move Trout too.


Wow Angels may consider trading Aybar and Kendrick for Peavy......

Awful move if that happens.

[Dalyn]

That has to be bull****. The Angels aren't buyers.

[Heyward]

Seriously? Lol. Wow. Sure, let's go ahead and trade our short stop and 2nd baseman for a sp. Good plan. Gut the middle of the field. Might as well move Trout too.


That has to be bull****. The Angels aren't buyers.

Rosenthal said it on MLBN, take it for what it's worth.

[tululush]

Oh, I'm not doubting you. Sorry, my use of the word "seriously" was directed 100% at the Angels.


Rosenthal said it on MLBN, take it for what it's worth.

[BlackwaterPark]

Jeff Francoeur just saw Michael Young walk onto the field and yelled, "Jesus Christ! You're still here?"

[Dalyn]

Jeff Francoeur just saw Michael Young walk onto the field and yelled, "Jesus Christ! You're still here?"

You sure that wasn't Young talking?

[AerchAngel]

I see the Nats and Stras losing again. I wonder what their announcers are saying now?

[Heyward]

I see the Nats and Stras losing again. I wonder what their announcers are saying now?

It's really just one bad pitch.

Stras pitched pretty well outside of that tbh.

[skidlee]

Chad Qualls just did this

http://i.imgur.com/ATo393G.gif

[Dalyn]

Chad Qualls just did this

http://i.imgur.com/ATo393G.gif

http://fireofthylove.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blake-griffin-surprised.gif




Did he hurt himself?

[jpx7]

Chad Qualls just did this

http://i.imgur.com/ATo393G.gif

But he really stuck the landing.

[thethe]

I'm absolutely shocked at how bad the Nats are.

[bravesnumberone]

Just flipped over to Baseball Tonight, and all I heard was "Don Mattingly ended his career in New York..." while highlights of Alfonso Soriano were playing, so I turned it. That's why I watch MLB Network.

[BlackwaterPark]

I dont understand why anyone pitches Puig outside.....

[BlackwaterPark]

Chad Qualls just did this

http://i.imgur.com/ATo393G.gif

LMFAO!

[skidlee]

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff 1m

Something going on with #Indians Vinnie Pestano. Reports he said some goodbyes to teammates tonight. Nothing announced yet.

[skidlee]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 2m

Callaspo pulled from #Angels game. Awaiting word.

[thethe]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 2m

Callaspo pulled from #Angels game. Awaiting word.

That has Braves written all over it.

[skidlee]

Peavy is headed to the red sox
Callaspo to the A's
Pestano has been traded but not sure where

[skidlee]

Danny Knobler ‏@DannyKnoblerCBS 19s

Callaspo going to A's for Grant Green

[thethe]

Peavy to the Red Sox. Did they actually trade Bradley/Ranuado for him?

[skidlee]

Bradley was said to have a slight injury

I think Ingalesis (sp?) is going to the White Sox and of course others

[yeezus]

Peavy to the Red Sox. Did they actually trade Bradley/Ranuado for him?

Ugh I hope not. Rather Jackie stay in Boston.

[BRule]

Peavy to Boston, done, per Heyman

[yeezus]

Bradley was said to have a slight injury

I think Ingalesis (sp?) is going to the White Sox and of course others

If they sold high on Iglesias, that's smart.

[BRule]

Iglesias heading to Chicago

[skidlee]

If they sold high on Iglesias, that's smart.

yeah is a what you can a punch-n-judy hitter

[skidlee]

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff 50s

#Indians have sent RHP Vinnie Pestano to Triple-A Columbus. Marc Rzepcznski takes his roster spot.


So I guess he wasn't traded

If I was Wren I would target him.

[skidlee]

looks like the peavy deal is a 3 way

Tigers White Sox and Red Sox

I best Ramirez is going to the tigers with Peralta getting suspended this week.

[BRule]

Iggy now heading to DET

[BRule]

DET giving up Garcia? Wow

[CrimsonCowboy]

According to Bob Nightengale, the Phillies tried hard to get Garcia from the Tigers

[yeezus]

According to Bob Nightengale, the Phillies tried hard to get Garcia from the Tigers

Going to the mall with no credit cards.

[gtcway]

The Cards about to be 0-6 in their past six games scoring a total of 6 runs in those games. Talk about a slump.

[yeezus]

Green is steep for Callaspo IMO.

[bravesnumberone]

The Cards about to be 0-6 in their past six games scoring a total of 6 runs in those games. Talk about a slump.

I expect them to make a surprise move tomorrow.

[The Chosen One]

I expect them to make a surprise move tomorrow.

Trade with Boston for Peavy ala Rasheed Wallace to ATL.

[Five]

Chad Qualls just did this

http://i.imgur.com/ATo393G.gif

Absolutely classic.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Yadier Molina suffered what is being called a sprained knee. Heading back to St. Louis for further evaluation

[SidSlid92]

Peavy didn't come as expensive as thought. Seems to be a real steal for the BoSox. Salary may have been a concern for us, but definitely think we could have offered a better return. O well, potential positive in that the price on SP may not be as extreme now, and hopefully we can snag a surprise out of left field name tomorrow.

[bravesnumberone]

Another last at bat win for the Dodgers.

[NYCBrave]

Peavy didn't come as expensive as thought. Seems to be a real steal for the BoSox. Salary may have been a concern for us, but definitely think we could have offered a better return. O well, potential positive in that the price on SP may not be as extreme now, and hopefully we can snag a surprise out of left field name tomorrow.

That's what I was thinking. The price didn't seem as steep as most were expecting.

[thethe]

That's what I was thinking. The price didn't seem as steep as most were expecting.

People just want to trade all of our good young players but nobody in baseball is really trading many prospects these days.

[50PoundHead]

I like Callaspo and I like Green. Interesting to see how that trade turns out for both sides.

Interesting to see Red Sox fan reactions (it's always interesting to see what those goofballs are spouting) to the trade. Almost universal in loathing Iglesias and glad to see him go, although some concern over who replaces him at 3B. Some think Michael Young will be with the Red Sox by 4 PM EDT today. I've never been that big a Peavy guy, but there's no question he puts another quality starter in the mix for the Red Sox and he came at a very low price. Like others, I'm suprised that the Tigers traded Garcia.

[Heyward]

Peavy didn't come as expensive as thought. Seems to be a real steal for the BoSox. Salary may have been a concern for us, but definitely think we could have offered a better return. O well, potential positive in that the price on SP may not be as extreme now, and hopefully we can snag a surprise out of left field name tomorrow.

What is similar to Garcia or Iglesias and 3 other prospects?

[50PoundHead]

What is similar to Garcia or Iglesias and 3 other prospects?

It all depends on which big league player the Braves would have had to include. I don't think Terdoslavich's ceiling is as high as either Garcia's or Iglesias', so it would have to be someone better than that as the centerpiece of the deal. Braves don't have any young big league players in that range, so my guess is the "ask" would have been Gattis, which would have certainly cut down the number of prospects needed to be included in the deal.

I think the prospect equivalence would be something like this: Rondon = Elmer Reyes, Wendelken = Carlos Perez (hard to find a ready equivalent), Montas = Mauricio Cabrera. But again, if Gattis had been traded, my guess is one prospect would have been sufficient to get the deal done. Do you do that deal?

[Heyward]

It all depends on which big league player the Braves would have had to include. I don't think Terdoslavich's ceiling is as high as either Garcia's or Iglesias', so it would have to be someone better than that as the centerpiece of the deal. Braves don't have any young big league players in that range, so my guess is the "ask" would have been Gattis, which would have certainly cut down the number of prospects needed to be included in the deal.

I think the prospect equivalence would be something like this: Rondon = Elmer Reyes, Wendelken = Carlos Perez (hard to find a ready equivalent), Montas = Mauricio Cabrera. But again, if Gattis had been traded, my guess is one prospect would have been sufficient to get the deal done. Do you do that deal?

Not with Mac's uncertainty to re-sign after this season.

[50PoundHead]

Not with Mac's uncertainty to re-sign after this season.

That would be my sentiment as well. I think where a lot of Braves' fans are wondering why we weren't in the Peavy sweepstakes really ignores the fact that we don't have a young major leaguer equivalent of Garcia or Iglesias on the team right now who isn't central to what we are doing and those guys are more valuable than a set of mid-range minor league players. Plus, we don't know what scouts are saying about Montas and Wendelken. They are both a ways away, but they are young (both 20) and in Low A. Montas supposedly has plus stuff. I can only imagine the stir in here if we had included someone like Mauricio Cabrera in a Peavy deal. Everyone has an attachment to their own prospects, but that doesn't mean they aren't right when assessing value to them.

[BRule]

We don't have a hitter close to Garcia.

[Heyward]

We don't have a hitter close to Garcia.

This, people call him Miggy-lite.

[jpx7]

Green is steep for Callaspo IMO.

Agreed.

[NYCBrave]

This, people call him Miggy-lite.

That's because he resembles him, not because of his talent. If you follow minor league prospecting closely around the league, which I do, you'll know Garcia was never considered an elite prospect. Don't think he even cracked any top 50 lists. John Sickels didn't even have him in his top 100 list before this season, and gave him a grade of B.

[BRule]

This, people call him Miggy-lite.

I wouldn't say that....he doesn't have that kind of power. I think he's more like Freeman, high average....20-25 HR guy..

[50PoundHead]

That's because he resembles him, not because of his talent. If you follow minor league prospecting closely around the league, which I do, you'll know Garcia was never considered an elite prospect. Don't think he even cracked any top 50 lists. John Sickels didn't even have him in his top 100 list before this season, and gave him a grade of B.

But he's still a young guy with reasonable upside who has shown some ability to hit at the big league level. I would wager he's a far better prospect than Bethancourt or LaStella in the eyes of most scouts.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Nats are losing again

[sentenza]

Nats are losing again

Gio at his best!
Horrible pitching! 11h, 10 ER, in 3.1 innigs!

[bravesnumberone]

9-1 Tigers. Let's get this lead up to 11 tonight, though Jimmy Chatwood will be tough.

[thethe]

LOL!!

NATTITUDE!!!

[bravesnumberone]

10-1 and still batting in the 4th.

[JusticeForAll23]

I can't remember the last time/season I enjoyed watching a team fail so miserably again and again as I have with the Natinals this year. This should put their prick fans, who thought they had accomplished something with one good season, back in line.

[Julio3000]

Heh. Sucks to have to play the Tigers when you're trying to keep pace. They should just tank the season and try to get another #1 overall.

/warm feeelings

[stpeteirish]

they've gotta fire Davey soon. But it won't matter.

[bravesnumberone]

MLB Network still in denial.

[Runnin]

10-1 and still batting in the 4th.
Gee thanks Gio. Just what my fantasy team needed.

[NYCBrave]

But he's still a young guy with reasonable upside who has shown some ability to hit at the big league level. I would wager he's a far better prospect than Bethancourt or LaStella in the eyes of most scouts.

Well yea, I can't argue with that.

[Bravesfan]

The Mets are sneaking up on the Phils and Nats for second. :rock:

[thethe]

The Mets are sneaking up on the Phils and Nats for second. :rock:

Good let them get a lower draft pick. Mets are going to be tough with all the pitching real soon.

[NYCBrave]

Good let them get a lower draft pick. Mets are going to be tough with all the pitching real soon.

Let's see if it all pans out in the majors, because we know that usually never happens. Harvey wasn't even supposed to be this good, so it's a bit of a surprise there.

[sentenza]

offtopic!

Ok, guys!
It's going to be interesting now!
500 meters away they will bring a 10 quintal bomb from WW2 to explode! Windows are closed!
If i didn't post after 3:15 something went wrong! :panic:

[drewdat]

Gio seems to be on Performance De-hancing Drugs now. Interesting strategy.

[Heyward]

Gio seems to be on Performance De-hancing Drugs now. Interesting strategy.

He's not on it.

[GovClintonTyree]

Gio seems to be on Performance De-hancing Drugs now. Interesting strategy.

Same thing with Fat Melky.

[MURF21]

offtopic!

Ok, guys!
It's going to be interesting now!
500 meters away they will bring a 10 quintal bomb from WW2 to explode! Windows are closed!
If i didn't post after 3:15 something went wrong! :panic:

Sentenza! Are you ok?

[bravesnumberone]

Pirates lead the Cards 5-4 in the 9th.

[Gary82]

Man, the Cards picked a bad time to slump. They've now lost 7 games in a row and are 2.5 back of the Pirates. It doesn't look like the Bucs are going to have their usual second half fade this year. Good for them.

[Bdawg2309]

rangers beat the angels on a walkoff for the 3rd straight game

[thethe]

Brett Obertholtzer (traded in the Bourn deal) started today and went 7 scoreless against the Orioles. Thats impressive.

[mossy]

Man, the Cards picked a bad time to slump. They've now lost 7 games in a row and are 2.5 back of the Pirates. It doesn't look like the Bucs are going to have their usual second half fade this year. Good for them.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/scream.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/scream.jpg.html)

[tululush]

Anyone have the cup guy gif from that game? Ahhh I miss that game. What a fantastic gdt. I believe we hit 100 pages and had to start a fresh one.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/scream.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/scream.jpg.html)

[50PoundHead]

Brett Obertholtzer (traded in the Bourn deal) started today and went 7 scoreless against the Orioles. Thats impressive.

I always liked Oberholtzer when he was with us. I make the Bourn trade 100 out of 100 times, but Oberholtzer could be a decent mid-to-back of the rotation guy.

Paul Clemens, who went to the Astros in the same deal, got sent down when Oberholtzer was called up.

[gilesfan]

Zeke is pitching for Arizona today.

[thethe]

Zeke is pitching for Arizona today.

Its absurd how many major leaguers the Braves have drafted. They know their pitching.

[thethe]

Schowalter is hysterical....He is kind of right though.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9527967/buck-showalter-guarantees-new-york-yankees-sign-matt-wieters-alex-rodriguez-suspended-2014-season

[jpx7]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/scream.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/scream.jpg.html)

Wasn't the one on the left a big-time prospect for Zeets' hypothetical harem?

[jpx7]

Schowalter [...] is kind of right though.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9527967/buck-showalter-guarantees-new-york-yankees-sign-matt-wieters-alex-rodriguez-suspended-2014-season

I think he's entirely right, and this is something MLB will have to consider vis-à-vis their suspension protocol.

I also think there's a similar, very concerning issue with Nelson Cruz: with the supposition being that, since he's an impending free-agent, he'll just serve his suspension this season in order to ensure maximum payout on a new contract in the offseason, MLB will be generating a set of circumstances wherein Cruz's current team would actually bear the brunt of the punishment. In my opinion, MLB should force Cruz to serve his suspension next season, thus decreasing his negotiating leverage and likely the value of his next contract, thereby applying the punishment squarely upon him and not residually upon his current team. I think this would be good precedent, if not outright protocol, for all impending free-agents who are forced to serve suspensions for PED use.

[gilesfan]

I think he's entirely right, and this is something MLB will have to consider vis-à-vis their suspension protocol.

I also think there's a similar, very concerning issue with Nelson Cruz: with the supposition being that, since he's an impending free-agent, he'll just serve his suspension this season in order to ensure maximum payout on a new contract in the offseason, MLB will be generating a set of circumstances wherein Cruz's current team would actually bear the brunt of the punishment. In my opinion, MLB should force Cruz to serve his suspension next season, thus decreasing his negotiating leverage and likely the value of his next contract, thereby applying the punishment squarely upon him and not residually upon his current team. I think this would be good precedent, if not outright protocol, for all impending free-agents who are forced to serve suspensions for PED use.

On the other hand, his current team (Rangers) are the team that has benefited (theoretically) from his use of PEDS. Why shouldn't they be punished?

[jpx7]

On the other hand, his current team (Rangers) are the team that has benefited (theoretically) from his use of PEDS. Why shouldn't they be punished?

I think your point would be more germane if Cruz had actually tested positive for PEDs this year, instead of just being linked to their previous purchase by testimony and circumstantial evidence.

So maybe, in normal circumstances, you're right that some sort of balancing would occur: the benefits a player's team hypothetically receives from PED-affected seasons would be "paid" by the loss of that player via suspension during the given season. However, in this case I don't really think your point applies, since there's absolutely no evidence that Cruz used PEDs during the 2013 season.

[gilesfan]

I think your point would be more germane if Cruz had actually tested positive for PEDs this year, instead of just being linked to their previous purchase by testimony and circumstantial evidence.

So maybe, in normal circumstances, you're right that some sort of balancing would occur: the benefits a player's team hypothetically receives from PED-affected seasons would be "paid" by the loss of that player via suspension during the given season. However, in this case I don't really think your point applies, since there's absolutely no evidence that Cruz used PEDs during the 2013 season.

So your point is that the team can only be punished in the season that the player used? So, if he used last year and the Rangers won the world series, they wouldn't deserve punishment if you found out in 2013 that Cruz used in 2012? I'm just trying to understand your point.

[jpx7]

So your point is that the team can only be punished in the season that the player used? So, if he used last year and the Rangers won the world series, they wouldn't deserve punishment if you found out in 2013 that Cruz used in 2012? I'm just trying to understand your point.

First: Cruz never tested positive for PED usage, so that's one mitigating factor. Two: there are special circumstances, which is why I retracted my suggestion that anything that happens with Cruz become protocol per se, and instead am arguing more particularly that Cruz should not be able to benefit financially by serving his suspension now, essentially quitting on his current team purely to reap more free-agent rewards in the offseason.

Three, and more generally: I'm not sure teams should really be "punished" at all for the individual actions of given players; I don't think contracts should be voided, certainly, but I don't think the point of these suspensions is or should be punitive measures against given teams, but instead given players. You seem to think – presupposing Cruz used PEDS in, say, 2012 – that the Rangers would "deserve punishment" for actions almost entirely outside their control, which to me doesn't make much sense.

[gilesfan]

First: Cruz never tested positive for PED usage, so that's one mitigating factor. Two: there are special circumstances, which is why I retracted my suggestion that anything that happens with Cruz become protocol per se, and instead am arguing more particularly that Cruz should not be able to benefit financially by serving his suspension now, essentially quitting on his current team purely to reap more free-agent rewards in the offseason.

Three, and more generally: I'm not sure teams should really be "punished" at all for the individual actions of given players; I don't think contracts should be voided, certainly, but I don't think the point of these suspensions is or should be punitive measures against given teams, but instead given players. You seem to think – presupposing Cruz used PEDS in, say, 2012 – that the Rangers would "deserve punishment" for actions almost entirely outside their control, which to me doesn't make much sense.

It may be out of their control, but they clearly benefit from it. (to the degree that PEDs are assumed to help)

[sentenza]

Sentenza! Are you ok?

Yes! Everything ok!
It sounded like a broken bat homer! But everything is ok and nothing happpens!

[jpx7]

It may be out of their control, but they clearly benefit from it. (to the degree that PEDs are assumed to help)

Agreed — which why I think it's a bit of a quandary, and why MLB should probably consider the context for each case. For Nelson Cruz in 2013, I think there's a good argument to be made that MLB should force him to serve his suspension next season, all circumstances considered; but I concede that this shouldn't necessarily be the guiding precedent in all cases (and Melky Cabrera's 2012 is a good example of your point).

[Gary82]

David O'Brien ‏@ajcbraves 14m
Call-up Martin to face #Braves Friday RT @JSalisburyCSN: Sounds like spot start for Martin in Lee's spot.Lee has been dealing with sore nec.

Looks like we're going to miss Cliff Lee (at least Friday.)

[Dalyn]

Wasn't the one on the left a big-time prospect for Zeets' hypothetical harem?

Indeed.

[cajunrevenge]

Schowalter is hysterical....He is kind of right though.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9527967/buck-showalter-guarantees-new-york-yankees-sign-matt-wieters-alex-rodriguez-suspended-2014-season

That is what I have been saying. Suspending ARod for more than 50 games is nothing more than a favor to the Yankees for their buddy Bud. The Yankees have to suffer the consequences of their inept leadership. Its bad enough they have twice the market of most teams but then to let them off the hook for 30 million a year bad contract on top of that is bull crap. Teams need to be held accountable to signing roids users too. Then they might be a little more active in making sure their players are clean.

If this goes down I say we commence operation slip BJ some steroids.

[Bravesfan]

BJ would blow up and look like Justins twin lol

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/scream.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/scream.jpg.html)

I remember that game. I still can't believe that screaming all that night came from that little kid.

[jpx7]

BJ would blow up and look like Justins twin lol

Wait — are they related?!

[Bravesfan]

Wait — are they related?!

There has been speculation that they might be.

[NinersSBChamps]

I know it's a little far-fetched, but the Royals are making a push for one of the wild card spots. Doubt that they would win enough to get the first spot, but the second spot is up for grabs. And the AL Central has three teams with winning streaks right now. Detroit, Cleveland, and Kansas City with 5, 8, and 9 games respectively.

[yeezus]

ANyone see Melky's throwing error?

[CyYoung31]

ANyone see Melky's throwing error?

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/880320/MelkyCabreraBestThrowEver.gif

[Heyward]

Former Braves prospect made his debut a couple days ago.

Olberholtzer, 7 innings, 7 strikeouts, no runs vs the Orioles.

Spurill too, but not as good. 5 innings, and gave up 5-6 runs.

[GovClintonTyree]

Wait — are they related?!

Shocking, isn't it? One is fat, walks, can hit, can't catch a cold, the other is the black Ryan Langerhans.

[JusticeForAll23]

Just when we were starting to close in on the Cardinals for best RD, they go out and win their last two games 26-3.

[Heyward]

Herman says suspensions will be out on Monday.

[Heyward]

Jose Fernandez is awesome.

8 innings, 0 runs, 14 K's tonight.

He should get ROY, not Puig.

Sadly, Puig probably wins it unfortunately.

[Julio3000]

Shocking, isn't it? One is fat, walks, can hit, can't catch a cold, the other is the black Ryan Langerhans.

That is an apt comparison, and a REALLY funny mental picture.

[weso1]

Jose Fernandez is awesome.

8 innings, 0 runs, 14 K's tonight.

He should get ROY, not Puig.

Sadly, Puig probably wins it unfortunately.

I don't know. After Freddie won the NL All Star vote, it gives me a little faith in the system. I think media will recognize who is truly deserving in the end.

[Bdawg2309]

all the AL playoff races are going to be fun to watch

[sentenza]

How about this grap by Anaheims J.B. Shuck?
One of the best this year!!!

[NinersSBChamps]

That catch was insane. The look of Bautista said it all.

[Gary82]

Brian Wilson signed with the Dodgers earlier, but has anyone seen his photoshop skills?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-wilsons-imagination-20130802,0,7887485.story#axzz2avne1sno

http://www.trbimg.com/img-51fbfec1/turbine/la-sp-dn-wilsons-imagination-20130802-001/600

[JusticeForAll23]

Just when you think the Cardinals were finally starting to regress back to the mean in batting average with RISP after they lost 7 in a row, they go out and win 3 of 4, winning games 13-0, 13-3, and 15-2.

[CyYoung31]

Dodgers beat the Cubs 1-0, extending their road win streak to 14 games. They were out hit 7-2.

[Orphan Black]

Minor league hitter strikes out on one pitch

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-minor-leaguer-vinnie-catricala-strikes-one-pitch-182609577.html

[The Chosen One]

Anybody see Hanley's deuche move today?

Cubs pitcher threw a pitch high and tight to back him off the plate, he ended up walking on a 3-2 count, then placed the bat slowly right next to Dioner Navarro the catcher literally right next to his foot. Navarro slammed the bat on the ground and broke it.

[zitothebrave]

Minor league hitter strikes out on one pitch

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-minor-leaguer-vinnie-catricala-strikes-one-pitch-182609577.html

Awesome. I imagined when I read that title was Gene striking out in Bob's Burgers.

[thethe]

The three top teams in the AL Central are all 9-1 in their last 10 games.

I feel bad for the Royals. They finally put together a long string of solid playing and they can't gain any ground on the division. Their pitching has been awesome but their young hitters continue to not live up tot he billing.

[jpx7]

Awesome. I imagined when I read that title was Gene striking out in Bob's Burgers.

Great episode; great show.

[50PoundHead]

The three top teams in the AL Central are all 9-1 in their last 10 games.

I feel bad for the Royals. They finally put together a long string of solid playing and they can't gain any ground on the division. Their pitching has been awesome but their young hitters continue to not live up tot he billing.

Moore has made a number of questionable moves and trading Myers will haunt him, but they needed pitching and in another year, they might be making a serious run. He felt the seat getting hot and made a few bold moves (the Myers trade being waaaaay too bold) that have helped in the short run. Don't know how it will play out in the long run, but they do have a nice nucleus of position players.

[yeezus]

Moore has made a number of questionable moves and trading Myers will haunt him, but they needed pitching and in another year, they might be making a serious run. He felt the seat getting hot and made a few bold moves (the Myers trade being waaaaay too bold) that have helped in the short run. Don't know how it will play out in the long run, but they do have a nice nucleus of position players.

I totally get going and getting Shields, but I feel:
1. He could have received a younger starter than Shields. But, he wanted a reeally good one, and Shields has been that and was almost certain to be that.
2. He could have waited and let Myers player in the MLB and raise his stock even higher. He's been incredible in TB. All kinds of power potential. The Rays could hypothetically trade him for almost any young SP at the moment.
He traded a 22-year old stud OFer.

[thethe]

Moore has made a number of questionable moves and trading Myers will haunt him, but they needed pitching and in another year, they might be making a serious run. He felt the seat getting hot and made a few bold moves (the Myers trade being waaaaay too bold) that have helped in the short run. Don't know how it will play out in the long run, but they do have a nice nucleus of position players.

Yeah, Shields is a stud but trading Myers was odd. I thought Wade Davis would have done better than he has though.

Rays are just the best in the business at turning over their talent. Wren needs to be a little more pro-active with that.

[yeezus]

Yeah, Shields is a stud but trading Myers was odd. I thought Wade Davis would have done better than he has though.

Rays are just the best in the business at turning over their talent. Wren needs to be a little more pro-active with that.

It really is amazing. They trade a TOR pitcher for a young stud and don't miss a beat in the rotation.

[gilesfan]

Minor league hitter strikes out on one pitch

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/astros-minor-leaguer-vinnie-catricala-strikes-one-pitch-182609577.html

Was Fredi managing that game too? I noticed the lack of sticking up for your player vs. a worthless "look at me" ump.

[Heyward]

The three top teams in the AL Central are all 9-1 in their last 10 games.

I feel bad for the Royals. They finally put together a long string of solid playing and they can't gain any ground on the division. Their pitching has been awesome but their young hitters continue to not live up tot he billing.

Still can't believe they traded Myers+ for Shields.

Possibly the worst trade ever.

[yeezus]

Still can't believe they traded Myers+ for Shields.

Possibly the worst trade ever.

I think there have been a lot worse trades, because Shields is really good.
I don't think it was a great deal for KC by any means. I wouldn't have traded Myers. But it's not the worst ever.

[Heyward]

I think there have been a lot worse trades, because Shields is really good.
I don't think it was a great deal for KC by any means. I wouldn't have traded Myers. But it's not the worst ever.

What if Shields walks in 2 years, and all you got left is Wade Davis.

It's good I suppose if they sign Shields to an extension. Otherwise, it's awful unless they somehow win a WS.

It's early but Myers is looking realllllly good.

[gilesfan]

I think there have been a lot worse trades, because Shields is really good.
I don't think it was a great deal for KC by any means. I wouldn't have traded Myers. But it's not the worst ever.

Certainly several others have been worse

Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips, Grady Sizemore and Lee Stevens to the Cleveland Indians for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew.

[Krovahn]

Angels just released Ryan Madson; he pitched in one game in AAA for them. Depending on his health status, he would be an interesting arm to pick up and stick in AAA for a potential September call up as someone who could help out and give our guys a rest leading up to the playoffs.

[cajunrevenge]

Feel bad for the Royals, blowing out the Twins but the Tigers already won today. About to be 12-2 in their last 14 games and the Tigers actually gained 1 game on them in the division.

[Gary82]

Feel bad for the Royals, blowing out the Twins but the Tigers already won today. About to be 12-2 in their last 14 games and the Tigers actually gained 1 game on them in the division.

At the moment they're only 3.5 out for a Wild Card spot. If I were them, I wouldn't focus too much on the Tigers.

[zitothebrave]

Great episode; great show.

Rudy, I’m gonna tell you a story: a famous baseball player, whose name I can’t remember right now, had Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and he didn’t let it slow him down.

[cajunrevenge]

Your right I guess I forgot about that.

[The Chosen One]

Ryan Madson was released by LAA today. Hasn't thrown a pitch in 2 years after coming back from TJ.

I'd give him a minor league deal and see what he can do for us in September. He had a lot of action with Philly, never liked his mechanics but it wouldn't hurt.

[Krovahn]

Ryan Madson was released by LAA today. Hasn't thrown a pitch in 2 years after coming back from TJ.

I'd give him a minor league deal and see what he can do for us in September. He had a lot of action with Philly, never liked his mechanics but it wouldn't hurt.

Copycat.

Great minds, I suppose.

[Carp]

At the moment they're only 3.5 out for a Wild Card spot. If I were them, I wouldn't focus too much on the Tigers.


This. It's amazing how much every single one of their hitters have regressed substantially from last yr, aside from Hosmer.

[The Chosen One]

This. It's amazing how much every single one of their hitters have regressed substantially from last yr, aside from Hosmer.

Their fault. They chose to get rid of the Francouer.

[cajunrevenge]

Was listening to the BBTN podcast and Olney raised an interesting point. No one is really distancing themselves from the pack in the MVP race. We know ESPN will be pimping their boy Puig if the Dodgers make it. Freeman is 10th in OPS, CJ 11th and Justin 19th in the NL. It would be hilarious if Justin has another April and gets serious consideration when he was craptastic over half the season. We know it will go to a player on a playoff team and if the Pirates win the division I might be in favor of just giving it to McCutchen, winning the division with the Pirates deserves a significant award in my opinion. I think Freeman could be a darkhorse candidate if he gets a few more RBI than the 108 he is on pace for now. I could easily see it going to Kershaw this year.

[Orphan Black]

I think we all know how bad BJ Upton has been offensively this season, but here is an article describing just how bad

http://www.baseballnation.com/2013/8/6/4589754/b-j-upton-slump-braves

[CrimsonCowboy]

Phillies talking extension with Utley. Rosenthal reports in the high $20M range

[drewdat]

Phillies talking extension with Utley. Rosenthal reports in the high $20M range

Awesome news.

2008, y'all. Never forget!

[CrimsonCowboy]

Reports are saying two years for $27M for Utley

[cajunrevenge]

I like players staying with one team the majority if not their entire career. Glad to see Utley staying with the Phillies.

[thethe]

Not that the Braves are complaining but its good to see Prado getting hot now. He is going to end up having a really good season.

[yeezus]

"You do not watch Yusiel Puig, you experience Yusiel Puig" - ESPN. Come on man

[CyYoung31]

"You do not watch Yusiel Puig, you experience Yusiel Puig" - ESPN. Come on man

Pathetic.

[Heyward]

"You do not watch Yusiel Puig, you experience Yusiel Puig" - ESPN. Come on man

MLBN for the win.

[bravesnumberone]

ESPN is a disgrace. They have that all blown up. Meanwhile, the Braves just swept the team that most experts picked to win the WS to put them 15.5 out.

And the headline is about four notches down on the right rail with a side story about Wren being irritated with the tweet.

Screw them.

[CyYoung31]

MLBN for the win.

MLB Network can be just as bad.

[Gary82]

MLBN can be terrible. If it involves Kevin Millar, Mitch Williams, or Harold Reynolds, it's just best to flip the channel.

[CyYoung31]

MLBN can be terrible. If it involves Kevin Millar, Mitch Williams, or Harold Reynolds, it's just best to flip the channel.

Yeah. I do like Millar on Intentional Talk though. He's probably the worst baseball announcer I've ever heard. Yes, I am including Brian Jordan in that.

[Gary82]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38925/ten-thoughts-about-the-awesome-braves

It's not so bad at ESPN, Schoenfield just posted another article about the team.

[Gary82]

Just checked the Marlins clubhouse on ESPN, and their leader in OPS is Hechavarria at .589. Holy crap, that is a terrible offense.

[Carp]

Was listening to the BBTN podcast and Olney raised an interesting point. No one is really distancing themselves from the pack in the MVP race. We know ESPN will be pimping their boy Puig if the Dodgers make it. Freeman is 10th in OPS, CJ 11th and Justin 19th in the NL. It would be hilarious if Justin has another April and gets serious consideration when he was craptastic over half the season. We know it will go to a player on a playoff team and if the Pirates win the division I might be in favor of just giving it to McCutchen, winning the division with the Pirates deserves a significant award in my opinion. I think Freeman could be a darkhorse candidate if he gets a few more RBI than the 108 he is on pace for now. I could easily see it going to Kershaw this year.



I'm rooting for Mac personally, though I'm sure he won't win it. IMO, he's our best overall hitter. We better resign him.

[The Chosen One]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/38925/ten-thoughts-about-the-awesome-braves

It's not so bad at ESPN, Schoenfield just posted another article about the team.

Just plugged our site on the bottom where the facebook comments are.

Someone feel free to do the same.

"
Great article Dave! The community over at www.chopcountry.com (http://www.chopcountry.com/)
thanks you for being the only journalist on a major news media organization to acknowledge just how dangerous and how good this Braves team is. Oh and the fact we appreciate that you mention Andrelton as just an awesome awesome awesome defender best since Ozzie."

[sentenza]

and you already found a new member! :rock:




btw:
Why they are 29 guests on this site? They can't read anything, right?

[Heyward]

MLB Network can be just as bad.

It can be but all ESPN talks about is Puig non stop.

While the main reason for their success has been Hanley being the best player in the NL the past month or so.

[Orphan Black]

"The Cubs are closer to the second wild card than anyone in the NL East is to the Braves."

[TURBO]

Just plugged our site on the bottom where the facebook comments are.

Someone feel free to do the same.

"
Great article Dave! The community over at www.chopcountry.com (http://www.chopcountry.com/)
thanks you for being the only journalist on a major news media organization to acknowledge just how dangerous and how good this Braves team is. Oh and the fact we appreciate that you mention Andrelton as just an awesome awesome awesome defender best since Ozzie."

done

[stpeteirish]

Just checked the Marlins clubhouse on ESPN, and their leader in OPS is Hechavarria at .589. Holy crap, that is a terrible offense.

You must be doing something wrong he's 17th on the team at .589, although a few of the guys ahead of him are not on the active roster right now. Stanton and Logan Morrison are over .800

[jpx7]

You must be doing something wrong he's 17th on the team at .589, although a few of the guys ahead of him are not on the active roster right now. Stanton and Logan Morrison are over .800

They probably don't have enough PA to qualify for leader-boards, and thus ESPN isn't listing them on the Marlins main-page.

[bravesnumberone]

Didn't see this posted anywhere else. Pretty good read from Richard Justice at mlb.com.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130808&content_id=56316990&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl

[Gary82]

You must be doing something wrong he's 17th on the team at .589, although a few of the guys ahead of him are not on the active roster right now. Stanton and Logan Morrison are over .800

Ive done nothing wrong, blame ESPN. Maybe they don't have enough at bats to qualify?

[Gary82]

Tigers well on their way to 12 wins in a row. ****ing copy-cats.

[CyYoung31]

Tigers well on their way to 12 wins in a row. ****ing copy-cats.

Guess we're going to have to win 20.

[JusticeForAll23]

We're the first team to win 13 in a row since the 2002 A's who won 20 in a row, and there might be two teams get to 13 in a row basically at the same time.

[bravesnumberone]

Dodgers doing it again. Freaking good team.

[thethe]

Dodgers doing it again. Freaking good team.

All the top teams are rising to the top.

Thats why teh National are tied with the Mets in the loss column now.

[JusticeForAll23]

Quick mini-power rankings check? I really don't know how I'd rank these teams, but I feel they're clearly the best in baseball right now:

Red Sox
Rays
Tigers
Braves
Pirates
Cardinals
Dodgers



I'm hesitant to list 7 teams but there really might be that many legit WS contenders this year. I feel like the Cardinals are the most likely to regress, despite great pitching, because they were hitting at such an absurd clip with RISP all season.

[thethe]

Quick mini-power rankings check? I really don't know how I'd rank these teams, but I feel they're clearly the best in baseball right now:

Red Sox
Rays
Tigers
Braves
Pirates
Cardinals
Dodgers



I'm hesitant to list 7 teams but there really might be that many legit WS contenders this year. I feel like the Cardinals are the most likely to regress, despite great pitching, because they were hitting at such an absurd clip with RISP all season.

Gun to my head?

Dodgers
Tigers
Red Sox
Braves
Rays
Cardinals
Pirates

Now, if you are going to tell me that Justin Upton is going to go all "Actober" on us...then I put the Braves number 1. He is THAT important.

[yeezus]

I want to keep thinking the Red Sox are a little overrated and there isn't a ton of talent on their roster, but they keep winnings and it appears I could be totally wrong. Anyone else feel like this, and is there any basis for it to anyone else?

[yeezus]

Now, if you are going to tell me that Justin Upton is going to go all "Actober" on us...then I put the Braves number 1. He is THAT important.

Even if he isn't THIS good the rest of the year/playoffs, as long as he is not terrible and playing just well instead of amazing, then we are a GREAT team. Think about it, we've led the division ALL YEAR with BJ, Heyward, and Justin playing really bad for months at a time (and for a time there, ALL at ONCE). If they could just turn around that awful suckage (which they can and have with how talented they are) we are dangerous.

[JusticeForAll23]

I will say this, if Heyward and Upton are playing/hitting like this come late September and early October heading into the playoffs, I wouldn't want to play us. That's a pretty scary 1-4 (including Freeman and McCann) if Heyward and JUpton are on. The Tigers are pretty damn scary and want to rank them #1. They've got a deep rotation anchored by Scherzer and Verlander, and a lineup anchored by the best hitter in baseball and Fielder. Don't know how much I trust the Dodgers offense, but when you've got a two-headed monster of Kershaw and Greinke anchoring your rotation, you're going to be a tough out in a short playoff series.

[JusticeForAll23]

Even if he isn't THIS good the rest of the year/playoffs, as long as he is not terrible and playing just well instead of amazing, then we are a GREAT team. Think about it, we've led the division ALL YEAR with BJ, Heyward, and Justin playing really bad for months at a time (and for a time there, ALL at ONCE). If they could just turn around that awful suckage (which they can and have with how talented they are) we are dangerous.
I get what you're saying, and agree to an extent, but we were leading our division all year despite all that because our division is terrible. So even when we had to play divisional opponents, they weren't good enough to kick us while we were down.

Of course we've been really good against the best teams this year, so I could just be talking out of my ass.

[yeezus]

I get what you're saying, and agree to an extent, but we were leading our division all year despite all that because our division is terrible. So even when we had to play divisional opponents, they weren't good enough to kick us while we were down.

Of course we've been really good against the best teams this year, so I could just be talking out of my ass.

right, we've still been good against good teams and were playing terrible and still holding our heads above water.

[Orphan Black]

Gotta say...I think Lincecum's stuff is looking pretty nasty lately...he was throwing one serious hook against the Brewers today.

[Heyward]

Dodgers doing it again. Freaking good team.

Best team in baseball.

Just went into St Louis without Hanley, and handled them fairly easily.

[Heyward]

Texas acquires Alex Rios.

Nice pickup, could help a bit with Cruz out.

Philly DFA's Delmon Young.

[Tapate50]

First August trade goes down. Rangers get OF help in Alex Rios. Pretty good move for them after the loss of Cruz.

[yeezus]

and they traded nothing.

[gilesfan]

Tigers
Cards
Rays
Dodgers
Braves
Boston

[The Chosen One]

Tigers
Cards
Rays
Dodgers
Braves
Boston

?